World is witnessing paradigm shift to “Circular Economy”: Jitendra Singh

New Delhi: Union Minister Jitendra Singh has said the world is undergoing a decisive shift towards a circular economy, where waste is no longer seen as a burden but as a valuable economic resource.

Addressing the 2nd Global Symposium and Awards on Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy in New Delhi, the Minister highlighted that evolving economic thinking is transforming discarded materials into drivers of growth and sustainability.

Dr. Jitendra Singh shared that sustained cleanliness and recycling efforts have already demonstrated tangible financial outcomes. Referring to a dedicated nationwide campaign, he said that the collection of electronic waste alone resulted in revenues exceeding ₹4,000 crore, indicating the vast untapped potential of resource recovery.

“The idea of waste is rapidly disappearing. Every discarded material is increasingly being viewed as a source of economic value,” Singh said, underscoring how recycling and biotechnology-led innovations are poised to redefine industrial development.

The symposium brought together representatives from government bodies, industry, research institutions and international organisations, including delegates linked with European and German missions, as well as stakeholders from the Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Industry Alliance.

The Minister pointed out that environmental discourse has evolved from a preservation-centric approach to one that recognises sustainability as a significant economic opportunity. According to him, this shift is attracting wider participation and seriousness across sectors.

He emphasised that the next phase of industrial growth will be driven by recycling, biotechnology and genetically oriented processes, with global experts viewing this transition as the foundation of a new industrial revolution.

Citing practical examples, the Minister said materials such as plastic waste, used cooking oil and industrial by-products like steel slag are now being repurposed into road construction materials, biofuels and commercially viable industrial inputs. Industries that once incurred costs for disposal are now generating revenue from these resources, he added.

Singh also stressed that the benefits of a circular economy extend beyond large industries to households, informal sectors, startups and MSMEs, creating new livelihood opportunities across the economic spectrum.

Highlighting the importance of public participation, he said large-scale transformation would require behavioural change and collective action alongside government initiatives. He called on industry, startups and civil society to actively invest and innovate in emerging sectors such as waste management and green technologies.

Referring to evolving economic practices, he said that India is witnessing a transition where value chains are being redefined and new opportunities are emerging in areas such as waste management, green technologies and circular production systems. He added that this shift will also contribute significantly towards India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Also speaking at the event, Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director of Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council, highlighted India’s traditional strengths in circular practices rooted in cultural and agricultural systems.

He emphasised the need to combine this legacy with modern scientific innovation and said BIRAC continues to support startups working on sustainable technologies and lifecycle-based approaches, including carbon credit mechanisms.

The symposium served as a platform for discussions on policy frameworks, partnerships and strategies aimed at accelerating India’s transition towards a resource-efficient and circular economy.